Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford has called for greater transparency from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a violent arrest of a Guatemalan man, Juan Francisco Méndez, who was detained despite having no criminal record. Video footage shows ICE agents using a sledgehammer to break the couple's car window after being told they were waiting for their lawyer. Mitchell expressed concerns over the need for explanations regarding the incident and reiterated that New Bedford is not a sanctuary city, emphasizing the importance of removing criminals from the streets.
"I think what we saw in the video requires an explanation," Mitchell said. "It didn't seem like it was warranted, but there may have been some facts not known to the public that might have justified it. We're just not hearing anything."
"This incident raises serious concerns about the tactics used during arrests. We need to seek clarity from federal agents, especially since there seems to have been a disproportionate response."
"New Bedford is not a sanctuary city. I want criminals removed from the streets of New Bedford, and I don't care where they come from."
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